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Global China Studies: Humanities and Social Science

A new undergraduate program launched by the School of Humanities and Social Science in 2011

The Global China Studies program is designed as an ELITE program, which aims to broaden students’ horizons and help them develop a unique portfolio of knowledge about China with a global outlook. This is achieved through multi- and inter-disciplinary training in humanities and social sciences, and through training in comparative and advanced research methods. Envisaged as a means to develop skills for future leadership, the program will train students in verbal and written communication, critical thinking, and analyzing social, cultural, historical, economic and political issues about China in relation to the modern world. The program will also help students enhance their understanding of their roles, rights, and obligations as citizens of Hong Kong and China and as members of the world community. The skills and capabilities learned from the major program will make our graduates suitable for positions in government, research institutions, business, education, community organizations, media and other cultural institutions.

Develop innovative vision and analytical skills toward China and the world in the Twenty-First Century.

Sciences Po is one of the best universities in France which is famous for the field of political sciences. The learning atmosphere is quite tense when compared to HKUST, all the students pay full attention to the professors during the lessons. Parisians look cold, but I can always find love and caring here. I have fully experienced how the French living style and in to it during my stay in the Paris’s apartment. Paris is my favorite city in Europe. There are lots of previous memories in these four months. I have gained a lot for my exchange out program.

Joey NGSciences Po, Paris, FranceExchange-out: Year 3

Having an exchange study at Peking University is definitely a life-changing experience. I chose School of Law as my faculty there. I observed quite a lot of differences in learning between Peking University and HKUST. Most students there would prefer continuing their study in postgraduate level. Unlike Hong Kong, job market in Mainland China encourages freshmen to equip themselves in order to succeed in the career. Learning in Beijing is not restricted to classrooms. I developed my professional network in Mainland China by participating activities inside and outside university. Through personal observation and interaction with locals, I gained a better understanding on China’s economic landscape and culture deposits.

Rax TSANGPeking University, ChinaExchange-out: Year 3

I took a total number of three courses in York University. The professors in York University always try to involve students in the discussion and encourage them to express their views and opinions in lesson. The students are all very attentive and they frequently give response to the professors as well as taking the initiative to ask questions. When I was studying in HKUST, I seldom took the initiative to express my views in class as I found that it was very embarrassing. Apart from the fruitful school life, I have also got a lot of chances to explore the city. Toronto is actually a very lovely city and it is often referred to as “the most multicultural city in the world”.

Hiuda LEEYork University, CanadaExchange-out: Year 3

One of the biggest differences between HKUST and CUA in terms of courses are the varieties. As for me I don’t exactly have an equivalent major in CUA as in HKUST (which is Global China Studies), I have a greater flexibility in choosing courses. One of the most interesting course that I have chosen is Terrorism and Counterterrorism, which you can never easily find an institution that actually put emphasis on teaching students what terrorism is. The best part of this course is the instructor, who is an ex-FBI field agent specializing in counterterrorism office.

Being an exchange student in the University of Copenhagen is surely one of my most memorable experiences in my university life. I have taken three courses focusing on the study of Danish society, using sociological and cultural perspectives. I even learnt basic Danish. Talking about the methods of teaching in Denmark, basically it is the same as the one in Hong Kong. But more excursions are provided for students to gain first-hand experiences, so as to develop deeper insights on the subject. Apart from stressful school work, the local students often organise parties and gatherings, to mingling around and meet new people. They reminded me that performing well in academics does not necessarily mean to sacrifice social and family life.

Jamie TSEUniversity of Copenhagen, DenmarkExchange-out: Year 3

The exchange life in Japan was valuable and unforgettable. During the period in Japan, I have experienced the difference between Japan Universities and Hong Kong Universities, especially in the learning environment. The most benefit point in living Japan is my Japanese level improved a lot during my stay in Japan. Since most Japanese could not speak fluent English in daily life, the social environment forces me to improve my Japanese level in order to communicate with Japanese and have a more pleasure life in Japan. I love Japanese cuisine culture a lot, especially Japanese sushi. To learn more things about sushi culture, I have tried to find different persons to teach me about the process to make sushi, operation issues related to sushi restaurants etc.

Darren YIPKyoto University, JapanExchange-out: Year 3

The life in Erasmus University of Rotterdam (EUR) is fast-paced and hustle, but being an exchange student is never an excuse for me to slower my steps. In this new school, the arrangement of semester term represents the most different perspectives compared to HKUST. Instead of taking 5 courses in a row, as usual, EUR breaks down the semester into two blocks with 2 to 3 courses each block. This is a new tempo demanding the understanding as well as mastering the course material under a packed schedule. Never regretting my decision to exchange, I learnt to embrace my culture so as to present it confidently. What’s more important is the courage to explore the field I never been to.

Ricky PUNErasmus University of Rotterdam, NetherlandsExchange-out: Year 3